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Wooly Loco 

Astragalus mollissimus

Poisonous 

Native perennial 

Family: fabaceae 

Plant Attributes

•Cool season forb

•Deep root development

•Early season development (one of first green in spring)

•Produces an addictive alkaloid (swainsonine)

Forage Quality, Palatability, and Cover

•Highly poisonous to livestock

•Unpalatable to livestock, but once consumed in small

amounts, animals will seek it out (especially horses)

•Toxic effects accumulative

•Causes weight loss, rough hair coat, disorientation, and

anxiety

•Affects optic nerves causing horses to shy violently, being

difficult to back and bump into objects

Drought / Stress Tolerance

•Drought tolerant

Grazing Tolerance

•Toxic to livestock and wildlife